What is going on in Texas?

Contractors in Texas received a shock last week. When they went to apply for Hurricane Harvey relief contracts, they found a requirement that in order to receive funding, they must promise not to boycott Israel.What a shock! The right to boycott is a protected form of free speech. But in July, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill banning state contractors who support the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement from receiving funds. The law even specifies that businesses cannot refuse to buy products manufactured in illegal Israeli settlements.

The boycott, divestment and sanctions movement is a nonviolent effort to obtain human rights for Palestinians. It was inspired by the U.S. civil rights movement and modeled after the South African anti-apartheid struggle. Now, its tactics are being used to bring Israel into accordance with international law.